Violet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. I have a number of points on which to come back. There is no question that the school transport scheme has been expanded. Even the parents accept that this expansion was a hugely ambitious task to undertake for this September. The route that was chosen may be an established route but it underwent changes. There are no timetables on any of the bus stops on the route to assist anybody travelling on the buses. Fair enough, it took two or three weeks to get each bus service in place that was required for all the children. However, the St. Caimin's Community School bus stop is only just being finished. It was nearly finished when I last looked for an update.

The issue is not about the ambition and scale of the plan but the necessary planning that was not put in place. The Minister of State referred to the costs. I pointed out the massive increase in the cost of transportation in respect of taxis in particular. That points to the fact that in some places, especially rural parts of County Clare, it was not possible to put a bus service in place. Nationally, the cost has increased by 108%. In Clare, however, between 2020 and 2023, the cost increased by 197.5%, or just under 200%.

I am aware of the provision of leap cards, which the Minister of State mentioned. However, I am also aware that the cards were given to parents of children with special needs. One such child is only six years old. The idea of that child with special needs using a Leap card to travel on public transport is a bit crazy. That situation was rectified in the end but the problem was not spotted in the first place. That is my point.

The Minister of State said that public transport is safe. In fact, there have been increases in antisocial behaviour on public transport. That is why I raised that point.

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